What To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termites In Your Reno Home

Did you know that termites are the most problematic pests to identify? It might not seem true because termites in Reno are so destructive, but they are also silent as they ruin homes. Because termites live underground or in wooden structures, they only occasionally emerge from their colonies. You could even have a termite problem for months or years without realizing it.

To help you avoid termite damage, our professionals at Celtic Pest Control have designed this guide to signs of termite activity. You'll learn early warning signs and find out how to effectively remove termites from your property.

Clear Signs Of Termites In Your Home

Termite colonies have a caste system, and different termites play unique roles. The worker and soldier termites don't have wings and rarely leave the nest. On the other hand, the termite swarmers occasionally fly away to reproduce. Termite swarmers are one of the earliest and best ways to spot a termite problem early on. You can also watch out for discarded termite wings during termite season. This season is between spring and fall and is when the termite swarmers breed.

Other than termite swarmers, you can also check for these other signs of an infestation:

• Finding Termite Frass Around Your Home: Termite frass is the term for termite droppings. This excrement looks similar to sawdust and can build around any wooden structures and objects. 
• Noticing Signs Of Termite Damage: While this sign only occurs after some damage has accumulated, you should still listen for squeaky floorboards and see if doors fit tightly in their frames. Also, check for signs of water damage. If you can't find a water source, this could be because of termites. 

While these signs help you detect termites, the best way to avoid termite damage is with annual termite inspections.

How Termites Can Silently Destroy Your Home

While there are other wood-destroying insects in Reno, termites are unique because they eat wood objects. Their stomachs contain specialized enzymes and bacteria that allow them to convert the cellulose fibers in wood into energy. Most termites in the area are subterranean termites, and if the colony gets large enough, they can consume up to a pound of wood per day.

Luckily, most termite infestations don't start this large, and it takes some time for their nests to expand. So, as long as you detect the problem early on, you'll avoid more extensive structural problems. 

Why DIY Termite Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money

DIY pest control is generally a challenge, but it's even trickier for termite removal. Termites are such an invasive, destructive pest that specialized treatments and training are required to remove them for good. While there are various products you can purchase at the store, most of these only remove some of the individuals.

You will likely spend a lot more time and money than you planned on the process. This experience is frustrating and futile, so it's not worth the stress.

Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Termites In Your Home

This guide illustrates that termites are extremely challenging pests, but they aren't impossible to deter. There are effective ways to protect your home from these destructive insects.

Celtic Pest Control offers termite inspections, termite prevention, and removal services. Instead of putting your precious resources into trying to remove termites on your own, let our technicians take over. We have the experience needed to expel these pests from your home. Contact our Reno pest control team today to learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control services.